Legal Notice
Disclaimers, definitions, and other information
Preface
Please take a moment to read this important legal notice which provides clarity and transparency about your use of this website and your involvement with the decentralized Bitnet BTN project. Clarification of Status: This website is independently managed by community members and is not the official website of the Bitnet BTN project. Bitnet BTN is an open-source, decentralized project without formal governance or official ownership. Given its nature, multiple sources of information can exist, reflecting diverse community perspectives.
This site serves as a community-driven resource, contributed to by volunteers, aimed at supporting individuals interested in the Bitnet BTN project. We strive for transparency and encourage users to verify the accuracy of the information through multiple sources and engage in community discussions for a well-rounded understanding. Please note that this notice is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Users are encouraged to consult with legal professionals for advice specific to their circumstances.
1. Essential Definitions
Bitnet: Throughout this document, “Bitnet” refers to the decentralized Bitnet BTN project and its underlying technology released under the GNU LGPL-3.0 license. This includes all associated technologies, features, and implementations thereof.
Website Operators: The term “Website Operators” or “We/Us” refers to the individuals or entities responsible for hosting, maintaining, and operating this website. This includes any authorized representatives or affiliates involved in website management.
2. Nature of Bitnet
Bitnet, launched on July 14, 2023, by the anonymous developer Masayoshi Kobayashi, operates on a decentralized platform without a centralized governing entity or individual ownership. The project is community-driven and relies on voluntary contributions from participants worldwide. No single entity, individual, or group of individuals has control over the Bitnet network or its operations.
3. Origin and Information Sources
The primary source of information for this website is the Bitnet GitHub repository, which was set up by Masayoshi Kobayashi and contains the codebase and documentation. Additional insights are derived from Kobayashi’s posts on Bitcoin Talk, his articles on Substack, his contributions to the Bitnet Discord community, and the two white papers he has published. As of early 2024, Masayoshi Kobayashi has not made any further public appearances or communications. While the Website Operators strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to acknowledge that the project’s foundational details are derived from these sources. Users are encouraged to conduct their own research and verify information independently before making decisions related to Bitnet BTN.
4. Development Status and Technological Maturity
Bitnet is in its early stages of development. While the underlying technology and smart contracts have been released, it is important to note that extensive code reviews, security audits, and testing may still be required. Users should be aware that there may be technical imperfections or security vulnerabilities that could affect the operation of Bitnet. The Website Operators strongly recommend that users consider the results of security audits and independent code reviews before relying on the technology. It is advised to regularly monitor the development progress and participate in community discussions about potential risks and improvements.
5. Non-Affiliation Disclaimer
The Website Operators are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with the creators or developers of Bitnet. Furthermore, the Website Operators do not influence the development, functionality, or code of Bitnet technology and possess no detailed understanding or insider knowledge of its technical aspects. The Website Operators act independently and do not represent the interests of any third parties associated with Bitnet.
6. Content Disclaimer
Content and discussions on this website may not align with any consensus perspective associated with the decentralized Bitnet project. While the Website Operators strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information by referring to publicly available sources, the nature of this information means that comprehensive verification is not always possible. Website Operators therefore cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy or truthfulness of the content provided. Users are encouraged to conduct their own research and verify information through multiple sources before making decisions.
7. Absence of Official Designation
No community groups or entities associated with Bitnet are officially designated or endorsed by Website Operators. While the Website Operators strive to review the presence and activities of community groups or entities before mentioning them on our website, this review is based on publicly available information and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive verification or an official endorsement. Users are encouraged to independently assess and verify the credibility of any community group or entity associated with Bitnet.
8. External Links
Links on this website may lead to third-party sites. Website Operators conduct a preliminary review of external sites before linking; however, such links should not be viewed as an endorsement of their content, policies, or practices. Website Operators bear no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of external sites. Users are encouraged to exercise their own due diligence when visiting third-party websites. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure their compliance with any terms and conditions of third-party sites.
9. Privacy Assurance
Website Operators deeply respect user privacy. In line with Website Operators’ commitment to safeguarding your privacy, Website Operators proudly confirm that this website does not use any tracking technologies and does not collect any personal information from its visitors, except where explicitly stated and consented to by users. Website Operators’ practices are designed to ensure a completely private and anonymous user experience.
10. Assumption of Risk
Engagement with Bitnet or any associated platform through this website is done at your own risk. The Website Operators do not monitor, verify, or endorse the Bitnet technology or its implementations and cannot be held liable for any issues or losses arising from the use of Bitnet technology. Users assume full responsibility for their interactions and transactions within the Bitnet ecosystem.
11. Cryptocurrency Risks
Investing in cryptocurrencies involves a high degree of risk, including the potential for complete loss of investment. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory, or political events. Users should conduct thorough research and seek professional financial advice before engaging in any cryptocurrency-related activities. The Website Operators are not responsible for any financial losses or adverse outcomes resulting from cryptocurrency investments.
12. Not Financial Advice
The information provided on this website is not intended as financial advice. The Website Operators encourage users to conduct their own research and make informed decisions. Furthermore, the Website Operators do not endorse or recommend the purchase, sale, holding, or trading of any cryptocurrency. Users should consult with qualified financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
13. Limitation of Liability
Neither the Bitnet project nor the Website Operators shall be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive losses or damages arising from the use of or inability to use the Bitnet technology or the content and services provided on this website. This includes, but is not limited to, any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the content, as well as any unauthorized access or use of the website.
14. Jurisdictional Note
Bitnet operates on a decentralized platform, and its jurisdiction may not be fixed or clearly defined. While users are advised to adhere to local laws when using Bitnet, it’s important to acknowledge that Website Operators do not have control over Bitnet’s jurisdictional status. As such, users should conduct their own research and seek legal advice if necessary to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Users are responsible for understanding and adhering to the legal requirements in their respective jurisdictions.
15. Complaints and Dispute Resolution
Should users have any complaints or disputes related to their use of this website, they are encouraged to contact Website Operators directly via the provided contact information. Website Operators are committed to engaging in good faith resolution practices before any formal legal action is initiated. Users agree to attempt resolution through informal negotiation prior to pursuing any legal remedies.
16. Changes to Legal Notices
The Website Operators reserve the right to make changes to these legal notices at any time without prior notice. It is the responsibility of users to regularly review these notices for any updates or changes that may affect them. By continuing to use this website, users agree to be bound by the most current version of these legal notices. Website Operators will make reasonable efforts to inform users of significant changes to these notices.
17. Contact Information
For all inquiries, users can contact Website Operators via Discord or Email at info@bitnet.technology. Website Operators strive to respond to all inquiries within 48 hours. By contacting Website Operators, users acknowledge and agree that Website Operators may temporarily need to collect and store specific personal information such as name, email address, and messages to respond to their inquiry. This information will be used solely for communication purposes.